This year was the Marshall Area Garden Club's 24th Annual Garden Tour. The seven gardens that were on tour are featured below.

Once again, we had a wonderful variety of gardens with something to please everyone.

This year we are also featured a number of DIY garden projects. These were on display at the Harvester Garden. Instructions for these projects are available on this website - or - send us your address and we will mail you instructions.

So, we hope you were able to attend and that you enjoyed the tour. But if you didn't make it, the pictures below of the featured gardens will make you wish you had!

The Giannunzio Garden: 414 N. Liberty St. This little gem reminded visitors of an English country garden. Wildflowers, tall grasses, bridal veil, and bird-friendly plants abounded. Visitors were invited to follow the brick path to the patio, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a shade garden, and a beautiful enlarged water feature. All this is nestled in a very quiet and secluded space – you wouldn't guess that there are houses all around!

The Harvester Garden: 135 W. Mansion St. Surrounding a floral and gift shop, this garden was a colorful example of what can be done in a small commercial space. From the lush vines covering a fence to the beautiful perennials against the neighboring building, this was an oasis in the city. Visitors could also enjoy the displays of DIY projects from Garden Club members (with directions!) while sipping a cool drink, or have a seat on the porch and relax for a moment during this busy day.

The Riggs Garden: 17524 N. Old US 27 These gardeners were inspired by Colonial Williamsburg gardens, and have spent many years turning this old farm property into the beautiful display visitors enjoy today. Using several thousand reclaimed bricks, the gardens were defined into different beds showing period perennials, herbs, and bright annuals. The gardens provide a perfect complement to the lovely farmhouse and the property of this centennial farm.

The Murphy Garden: 505 Sibley Lane For the past ten years, these gardeners have worked hard to create something from nothing, and they have succeeded in creating a beautiful spot on a quiet residential street. The plants and statuary from family members made this garden particularly meaningful. The garden backs up to a wooded area that was never developed, and the homeowners now enjoy peaceful evenings sharing their garden with a variety of birds and other creatures.

The Ranville Garden: 530 N. Gordon St. Over the past twenty-five years, these gardeners have planted a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and grasses. The unusual specimen trees, such as Golden Raintree and Japanese Cedar, and bamboo thrive here. Described as an “ever-expanding, eclectic garden,” this garden included a “hell strip” planting near the street, with yucca and prickly pear cactus. And those folks with a quick eye caught a glimpse of Mar-lee, their pet rabbit who lives under the deck!

The Schoenmeyer Garden: 621 East Drive The beautiful gazebo, built in 2011, provides a wonderful spot to sit and enjoy this garden. Many varieties of perennials, trees, and shrubs attract birds and insects, and a veggie garden provides good food for the gardeners. Some newer trees, including a Lollipop white flowering crab, a Chanticleer flowering pear tree, and a Purple Prince crabapple, have been planted to replace old trees, much to the delight of the homeowners!

The Koppenhaver Garden: 607 Ventura Way This urban property provides a shaded retreat for the homeowners who have developed their gardens to take full advantage of the lot and terrain. The view from the cedar cabin built by the homeowner took in the stream and koi pond, where all the rocks were gathered from local farmers’ fields. In the few spots of full sun, an herb garden nestled off the driveway and a bed of perennials basked in the front yard.